StorageStorage

How we retain or keep the information we have encode over time??

Three Box Model of Memory (or three stage modelthree stage model)• Basically says memory storage is broken down into three

memory systems based on durationduration or lengthlength of memory retention

#1 Sensory Memory#1 Sensory Memory• Stores incoming sensory information (smells, sights, noises, smells, sights, noises,

things we touchthings we touch) in detail but only for an instanceLasts Milliseconds to secondsLasts Milliseconds to seconds

– Most of what we sense we forget almost immediatelyMost of what we sense we forget almost immediately– If it is not important we don’t encode and store it

• Iconic MemoryIconic Memory– VisualVisual sensory memory – (a split second perfect photograph of a scene)

• Echoic MemoryEchoic Memory– AuditoryAuditory sensory memory – (a split second memory for sounds)

#2 Short-term Memory#2 Short-term Memory• The conscious, activated memory that contains

information you are aware of at any point in time – Also can be called working memoryworking memory

– Can last seconds to minutes

• There is a limitedlimited capacity and duration– The average stmstm can only fit 7 units – (that is why phone numbers are 7 digits long)(that is why phone numbers are 7 digits long)

• Can be increased by chunking

Storage and Short-Term Memory

• Can store 7 (plus or minus two) chunks of information.

• George Miller– “The Magic Number

7+-2”

• Simon– “We can only chunk

groups of three”

Breaking Through the Magic 7 Barrier

•Row 1: 6293•Row 2: 73932•Row 3: 835405•Row 4: 3820961•Row 5: 18294624•Row 6: 9284619384•Row 7: 1992199319941995

#3 Long-term Memory#3 Long-term Memory• The relatively permanent storehouse of memoriesThe relatively permanent storehouse of memories

• Can last days to years (sometimes a lifetime)Can last days to years (sometimes a lifetime)

• ConsolidationConsolidation– The process of converting short-term memory into long-term memoryThe process of converting short-term memory into long-term memory

Two TypesTwo Types– Flashbulb memoryFlashbulb memory

• A vivid clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or A vivid clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event – 911event – 911

– Photographic memoryPhotographic memory• It is just a really good memoryIt is just a really good memory

• VERYVERY few people have this few people have this

• True photographic memory is someone who can see a list of 70 digits for True photographic memory is someone who can see a list of 70 digits for less than a minute and recite them forward and backwards and remember less than a minute and recite them forward and backwards and remember them up to 15 years later!!!!them up to 15 years later!!!!

How does our brain store long-term memories?

• Memories do NOT reside in single specific spots of our brain.

•Seems the hippocampushippocampus is the essential part of the brain for memories•But visual memories may be stored in the visual cortex

RetrievalRetrieval

How do we recall the information we thought we remembered and stored?

Lets Jog Our Memory!!!!!!!

The getting of information and memories out of our heads

Recall vs. RecognitionRecall vs. Recognition

I probably cannot recall the Smurfs, but can I recognize them?

Clumsy Smurf or Inept Smurf

Papa Smurf or Daddy Smurf

Lazy Smurf or Lethargic Smurf

Handy Smurf or Practical Smurf

Brainy Smurf or Intellectual Smurf

• RecallRecall– Remembering without any external cues – The retrieving of information you learned earlier – What we usually think of as memory– Fill in the blank tests, short answer, essay

• RecognitionRecognition– The process of identifying information using

external cuesexternal cues– Multiple choice and matching test questions

Memory is often triggered by… Retrieval CuesRetrieval Cues• Things that help us remember.

– Pictures, smells, touches– Smell is usually the strongest

•We often use a process called

PRIMING•the activation of associations in our memory to help us retrieve information.

•Recalling a particular word or memory becomes easier if another related word is recalled first

•Example – thinking of me may help you remember a psychology concept or term

PrimingPriming

Our physical condition and mood affect our ability to retrieve memories

The Pollyanna The Pollyanna PrinciplePrinciple

Stress and MemoryStress and Memory

• Stress can lead to the release of hormones that have been shown to assist in LTM.– i.e. adrenaline

– Similar to the idea of Flashbulb Memory.

State-Dependent MemoryState-Dependent Memory• Retrieval is best when the retrieval

state is the same as the encoding state

– If you are tired when encoding, retrieval will be best when you are also tired

– If you study on your favorite chair at home, you will probably score higher if you also took the test on that chair.

Mood-Congruent MemoryMood-Congruent Memory

• The tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one's current good or bad mood.

Example: If you are depressed, you will more likely recall sad memories from you past.

Types of Long Term MemoriesTypes of Long Term Memories

Declarative Memories Declarative Memories Vs.Vs.

Non-Declarative MemoriesNon-Declarative Memoriesandand

ProspectiveProspectiveVs.Vs.

Retrospective MemoryRetrospective Memory

Declarative MemoriesDeclarative Memories• Also called explicit memoriesexplicit memories

– The memories that relate to facts and take effort to recall

• Two typesTwo types– Semantic MemorySemantic Memory

• Memory of facts and general information

• State capitals or rules of a game

– Episodic MemoryEpisodic Memory• Memories of specific events – personal memories

• Think of this like episodes of your life, like remembering your 16th birthday

Non-declarative MemoriesNon-declarative Memories• Also called Also called implicit memoriesimplicit memories

– Unintentional memories Unintentional memories • that we might not even realize we have and do not take that we might not even realize we have and do not take

conscious thinking to recallconscious thinking to recall

– Processed all over the brainProcessed all over the brain

• 2 Types2 Types– Procedural MemoriesProcedural Memories

• Memories of skills and how to perform themMemories of skills and how to perform them

• Riding a bike or driving a carRiding a bike or driving a car

– Classically condition MemoriesClassically condition Memories• Jumping when you hear the toilet flushJumping when you hear the toilet flush

Prospective vs. Retrospective MemoryProspective vs. Retrospective Memory

Prospective MemoryProspective Memory Remembering to perform actions in the futureRemembering to perform actions in the future Remembering to take the trash out or walk the dog, or to Remembering to take the trash out or walk the dog, or to

call someonecall someone Those who appear bad at prospective memory are often Those who appear bad at prospective memory are often

characterized as “absent minded”characterized as “absent minded”

Retrospective MemoryRetrospective Memory Remembering events from the past or previously learned Remembering events from the past or previously learned

informationinformation Trying to remember what was said in your last classTrying to remember what was said in your last class